PATRIOTIC ISSUES, THE GREY WOLF SPEAKS

It is always a sad time to see a mission posted on the National Patriot Guard Watch List or Confirmed Mission List as it means another American Hero has given their life in the service of their country. Perhaps it is sadder yet to have taken 9/11, followed by the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, to wake America up to the sacrifices given by our military for our freedom.

Since the end of WWII the sacrifices made for our freedom, in all the wars, conflicts or whatever they may be called, have grossly been over looked or minimized in the collective conscious of this nation. Everyone just went about their daily business as if nothing was happening, no one was dying for this country, our freedom and way of life.

Yes, people talked about the various wars and how we should not be in them; they put stickers and magnets of support on their vehicles but when a service member died only the family and perhaps a few friends attended the funerals. There was, of course, a brief mention in the news media, perhaps, but nothing more. Yet, if a national football player or basket ball play died, the world heard of it.

If a president got caught with his pants down, the world heard of it. If a movie star was involved in a drug bust the world heard of it. How sad it is that all this makes national news and people flock to the funerals, trials or what have you, for these people and those events but few show up to honor a young kid who has given his/her life for this country.

Of all the scandals this government goes through, of all the negative publicity our corporations, government, movie stars, sports figures, politicians and even criminals receive, why is it that when a Medal of Honor recipient dies no one, except the immediate family and, perhaps those in the heroes community, hears of it?

Today, due to the Patriot Guard our military heroes are receiving the attention and showing of respect that they should have always received by the people of this nation. And, once again, here we have the nations most despised warriors, the Vietnam Vets, leading the way. Does that seem strange to you? Would one ever think that a Vietnam vet could or would still love this country and show so much respect for its flag and its warriors after they were treated upon their return from Vietnam?

Thousands of Vietnam vets proudly wear the Patriot Guard patch, and proudly ride for respect for our fallen heroes, although, it deeply hurts them to do so as it brings back so many memories of times passed when only a few of them gathered together to bury one of their own from the Vietnam War.

It is for their courage, determination, and honor that I am proud to be a Vietnam Veteran and ride beside my brothers and sisters from that war to honor the warriors of all wars, this nation and its flag wearing the patch of the Patriot Guard.